Image analysis methodology for a quantitative evaluation of coating abrasion resistance

Abstract Superhydrophobic materials possess great potential in a range of fields. However, the utilisation of such coatings in real-life applications remains limited, mainly due to their low physical resilience. The fabrication of high-strength superhydrophobic materials is a highly active area in the literature, and the development of techniques to assess their resilience is highly important. Existing resilience analysis of superhydrophobic materials is able to provide some level of understanding. However, reported approaches are often wildly different, in the type of degradation used and the applied analysis method. Comprehensive analysis is rarely carried out as this requires complex operations or equipment, and/or specific testing requirements, which are not widely accessible. As a result, many studies provide limited or solely qualitative insight. Here, we report a methodology for a quantitative assessment of the resilience of superhydrophobic coatings. The method combines physical abrasion with optical imaging (electronic scanner) and mass-loss tracking. Combined examination using image processing and mass-loss allows for achieving a greater understanding of degradation behaviour, including differentiation between cohesive/adhesive failures.